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From Little Acorns…
Already we are at the end of February, where did that month go? Life in lockdown has taken on a strange familiarity, each day kind of just blends into another and here we are…
I have now had a full month in Forest School training and have today, hit “send” on the last assignment for Unit 1. It is strange, how my mindful, carefree walks in the woods have now taken on a whole new purpose. My head is busy as I think ecosystems, biodiversity along with fauna and flora identification. Who knew?
It’s fair to say that when I started out on this journey, the whole process was a little intimidating.
My inner critic was screaming in my ear “What do you think you are doing?” How would I cope with essentially going back to school at 57 years old.
The first unit meant loads of research, new terminology and the best part, getting out in nature and visiting local woodland. Once I headed out into familiar territory amongst the trees and the birds, I knew that Mother Nature had my back on this. What initially started out as doubt and confusion, gently became clarity and confidence.
Taking little acorns of knowledge back into school, meant that I got to share these little nuggets with the children. As my enthusiasm for Forest School grew, so did theirs. Soon, they were wiling away their playtime, building twig tents and making bows & arrows. As I watched them work together and figure out how to make their structure sturdy; my vision was very gently taking shape. I am making it happen….they are making it happen. And it feels amazing!!
So now, its onto Unit 2 and the practical sessions. Again that familiar feeling of doubt is creeping in as I contemplate building tarpaulin shelters and setting fires, tying knots and using tools.
But, I have got this, I really have!!
When I think of the bigger picture, my why; then there is only one way and that is to persevere. More than ever, our children need to be children. They need to play in the dirt, dig in the leaves for bugs, climb trees and look for fairies. They deserve to flourish in this confusing, mixed up world that we are currently living in. Nature can be their constant, whether that is an adventure in the woods or growing a seed on their windowsill. Mother Nature will hold them close as she lift’s them up to discover her beautiful magic.
